New York City truly transforms into its most magical during the Christmas and Holiday season.
Picture this:
- Enchanting Fifth Avenue window displays that tell festive stories.
- Historic streets lit up like a magnificent snow globe.
- Towering skyscrapers glistening like crystal.
- Neighborhoods fully decked out in over-the-top holiday decorations.
- At the heart of it all stands the dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and its iconic ice-skating rink.
If you have just a few days (or a single evening) in the city, the five tours below are expertly curated to pack maximum NYC holiday magic into minimum time. They are perfect for first-time visitors, shoppers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Get ready to experience the best of the Big Apple’s festive holiday spirit.
1. New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour
This fun, guided walking tour takes you through the twinkling, festive heart of Midtown Manhattan. It’s the quintessential classic NYC holiday experience.
Tour Highlights:
- See Manhattan’s famous Christmas and holiday-light displays.
- Browse traditional holiday markets for unique gifts, arts, crafts, and seasonal food.
- Admire the elaborately decorated flagship store windows along Fifth Avenue.
- Visit Columbus Circle and Central Park.
- Stop at the iconic Rockefeller Center to see the world-famous Christmas tree and ice-rink area.
Why it’s so popular:
- Immersive Experience: Being walking-based, you truly soak up the city’s festive atmosphere rather than just passing by on a bus.
- Classic Visuals: It bundles the classic New York holiday visuals into one tour: brilliant lights, charming markets, Fifth Avenue’s spectacular window displays, and the energy around the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink.
- Expert Storytelling: Knowledgeable guides share the history and captivating stories behind the landmark displays.
- Perfect Timing: Runs in the late afternoon/early evening when the lights are turning on and the city gets into full holiday mode.
Tip: Weekends are more crowded, so a weeknight may offer a more relaxed experience.
2. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guided Tour (Brooklyn)
Venture out of Manhattan to witness a truly hidden holiday gem. The Brooklyn neighborhoods of Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge are legendary for their extravagant, over-the-top residential Christmas light displays. It’s unlike anything you’ll see in Midtown. The popular evening tour departs by comfortable bus from Manhattan.
Tour Highlights:
- Experience massive residential displays featuring huge inflatables, elaborate Nativity scenes, and houses fully-decked out in synchronized lighting.
- Enjoy a full hour of free time to walk around the most illuminated streets in Dyker Heights independently and take incredible photos.
- See spectacular nighttime views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the illuminated Manhattan skyline on the drive.
Why it’s popular:
- Unparalleled Scale: The sheer size and spectacle of the residential decorations are unparalleled, offering amazing photo opportunities. It’s popular with New Yorkers and tourists alike!
- Easy Transportation: Dyker Heights is tricky to reach via public transportation. The guided bus tour provides easy, warm and direct transport, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the lights without any navigation worries.
- Hidden Magic: It offers a somewhat hidden, yet incredibly magical holiday experience, away from the busiest Midtown crowds. It’s a favorite for families, couples, and groups seeking a memorable, magical holiday experience away from the traditional tourist spots.
- High Demand: This tour is consistently one of the city’s most popular and is “Likely to Sell Out.” So book your spot ASAP.
3. New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
For the first-time visitor during the holiday season, this full-day Guided Bus and Walking Tour is the ultimate way to cover Manhattan’s major landmarks and seasonal highlights in one organized outing.
Tour Highlights:
- Times Square – America’s most visited tourist site.
- Central Park and Columbus Circle.
- Rockefeller Center – See the world’s most famous Christmas Tree and outdoor ice-skating rink.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
- Gansevoort Liberty Market, located near 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center (lunch not included).
- Fifth Avenue and views of the Empire State Building.
- Drive through NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
- 9/11 Memorial – Walk around the Memorial Plaza and the Twin Memorial Pools. See the Survivor Tree, located by the Memorial’s South Pool. (Museum entry not included).
- Staten Island Ferry skyline cruise. A magnificent way to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan/Brooklyn skylines from the water.
Why it’s popular:
- Complete Overview: The perfect introduction for first-time visitors who want to see NYC’s highlights with lots of stops to take photos and see sights up close in one organized day.
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy comfortable bus transportation between major districts.
- Local Experts: Friendly, funny, and knowledgeable local tour guide provides detailed history for every landmark.
- Best Seller: See classic year-round sights with the heightened festive energy of the holiday season.
4. New York City Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise
Escape the street crowds and enjoy a truly elegant and festive Christmas experience aboard a decorated classic yacht departing from Chelsea Piers. The cruise perfectly combines sightseeing with holiday cheer, offering visitors a wonderful Christmas experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline while cruising along the Hudson River.
- Close-up views of One World Observatory, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Get prime photo opportunities.
- Enjoy festive holiday music and caroling, often featuring a live jazz band.
- Sip delicious hot cocoa (sometimes spiced options are offered) and enjoy freshly-baked homemade cookies.
Why it’s so popular:
- Magical Views: Cruising at dusk or dark provides the most magical time for skyline photos, capturing the city’s lights shimmering across the water. Try to choose a sunset departure when possible.
- Festival Ambience: Combines sightseeing (city skyline, water views) with a festive twist of holiday music, caroling, and hot cocoa, transforming the cruise into a special Christmas-themed event rather than a standard sightseeing cruise.
- Crowd-Free: A relaxed warm, and unique way to sightsee, away from the bustling crowds.
5. New York City Holiday Lights Tour
For a more personalized and in-depth evening sightseeing experience, this small-group bus tour (maximum of about 15 people) covers a lot of ground and offers a tailored viewing of Manhattan after dark. You can also sometimes upgrade your ride to a glass-topped luxury bus for enhanced views and better night shots.
Tour Highlights:
- Experiencing sensory overload at Times Square at its most brilliant… there’s nothing like it!
- A stop at Hudson Yards to see stunning decorations and one of Manhattan’s iconic attractions, the Vessel.
- A short guided walk on the High Line elevated urban park for unique night views and photo opps.
- Riding through Midtown and Lower Manhattan and seeing views of popular neighborhoods like SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown, and the South Street Seaport Historic District.
- Visiting Pier 17 for amazing views of the Brooklyn skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- A guided walk through the majestic Grand Central Terminal and viewing one of NYC’s tallest skyscrapers, One Vanderbilt.
- Passing iconic architecture: The Chrysler Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the NY Public Library.
- Stopping at Rockefeller Center to see the world-famous Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink. It’s a fantastic place for people-watching and taking photos.
Why it’s popular:
- Maximum Coverage: The 4 1/2-hour tour covers a lot of iconic sights in a relatively short period of time.
- Personalized Experience: The small-group size allows for more personalized attention, better visibility, and great photo opportunities.
- Nighttime Magic: Seeing Manhattan after dark, when the lights are shimmering across the city, is especially magical during the holiday season.
- Well-Rounded: Attractive for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded overview of iconic sights plus a vibrant evening atmosphere.
- Expert Local Guide: Friendly and knowledgeable local tour guide blends historical facts, insights, and engaging anecdotes along the way.
Note: This tour is “Likely to Sell Out” during the holidays, so book your spot ASAP.